Nothing beats hitting the open road with your four-legged best friend by your side.
North Carolina offers some of the most scenic and dog-friendly destinations in the country, from mountain trails to coastal beaches.
Whether your pup loves splashing in the waves or sniffing mountain air, these seven road trips across the Tar Heel State will have tails wagging with excitement.
1. Blue Ridge Parkway
Winding through misty mountains at elevations over 6,000 feet, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers endless tail-wagging vistas and cool mountain breezes perfect for furry companions. Pull over at countless overlooks where your pup can stretch their legs while you snap Instagram-worthy photos.
Pack plenty of water and dog treats for the numerous pet-friendly hiking trails branching off the parkway. Favorites include Linville Falls and Craggy Gardens, where leashed dogs can explore alongside their humans.
Visit during fall when the explosion of autumn colors creates a sensory wonderland for dogs and their people alike. The cooler temperatures make it ideal for breeds that overheat easily.
2. Asheville & Surrounding Trails
Bark if you love craft beer! Asheville’s dog-friendly brewery scene means your pup can join you for that post-hike pint. Highland Brewing Company and Wicked Weed both welcome leashed dogs on their outdoor patios, often providing water bowls and occasional dog treats.
Surrounding the city, trails like those at Bent Creek Experimental Forest offer easy to moderate paths where your pup can splash through gentle streams. The French Broad River Park boasts a dedicated dog park where your buddy can run off-leash and make new four-legged friends.
Many local restaurants with outdoor seating welcome dogs, making this a truly pet-inclusive destination where your furry friend won’t have to miss a minute of fun.
3. Charlotte Urban Adventure
The Queen City rolls out the red carpet for four-legged visitors with urban parks, dog-friendly shopping, and even canine-welcoming art galleries. Freedom Park offers 98 acres of green space where leashed dogs can explore winding paths and pose next to striking sculptures.
Grab a puppuccino at one of Charlotte’s numerous pet-friendly cafes before window shopping at the outdoor Atherton Mill market. The Rail Trail along the Blue Line light rail provides a 3.5-mile urban adventure perfect for dogs who love people-watching and city energy.
End your day at Lucky Dog Bark & Brew, a combination dog park and sports bar where your pup can play off-leash while you enjoy a cold one.
4. Outer Banks Scenic Byway
Salty sea breezes and miles of dog-friendly beaches make NC Highway 12 through the Outer Banks a doggie dream come true! Unlike many coastal destinations with strict pet regulations, most OBX beaches allow leashed dogs year-round, with some areas permitting off-leash play during off-season months.
Ferry-hop between islands with your furry first mate. The ferry system welcomes pets both in vehicles and on passenger decks. Cape Hatteras National Seashore offers miles of sandy shoreline where your pup can chase waves and dig epic holes.
Many vacation rentals in the area are pet-friendly, meaning your whole pack can stay together. Just remember to bring fresh water as the salty ocean isn’t for drinking, no matter how much your dog might try!
5. Wilmington & Cape Fear Coast
Cobblestone streets meet coastal charm in Wilmington, where the historic riverfront welcomes four-legged tourists with open arms. The 1.75-mile Riverwalk offers spectacular views of the Cape Fear River and plenty of dog-friendly outdoor dining spots where servers often bring water bowls without asking.
Just minutes away, Wrightsville Beach allows leashed dogs on the sand during morning and evening hours (before 9am and after 5pm) during summer months, and all day during off-season. Carolina Beach even offers a designated dog-friendly beach area where pups can frolic off-leash!
Ghost tours through the historic district don’t mind well-behaved canine companions, perfect for dogs who enjoy a spooky tale. Watch your pup’s reaction; locals swear dogs can sense the spirits!
6. Black Mountain & Asheville Foothills
Smaller crowds and big mountain views make Black Mountain the perfect escape for dogs who prefer tranquility over tourist traps. Lake Tomahawk offers a flat 0.55-mile paved walking path around a picturesque lake, ideal for senior dogs or those who prefer leisurely strolls to strenuous hikes.
The charming downtown features multiple pet-friendly patios where locals often bring their own dogs, creating an atmosphere where your pup will feel right at home. Nearby Montreat Wilderness boasts gentle trails through rhododendron tunnels and alongside peaceful streams.
Look out for the famous Black Mountain “Tail Waggin’ Trail” – a self-guided tour of pet-friendly businesses marked with special paw print signs. Many shops keep treats behind the counter for four-legged customers!
7. Maggie Valley
Tucked between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway, Maggie Valley offers a less crowded mountain escape where dogs can truly embrace their wild side. The valley’s moderate elevation means comfortable temperatures for active dogs even during summer months.
Waterfall seekers will love that many of the area’s cascades, including Soco Falls, are accessible via short, dog-friendly trails. Winter visitors can find pet-friendly cabins with fenced yards where snow-loving breeds can frolic in the occasional mountain snowfall.
Don’t miss Elevated Mountain Distilling Company, where dogs are welcome inside the tasting room, a rare treat in a world of “outdoor seating only” pet policies. The staff keeps a jar of treats on hand for their four-legged guests!